pressure washer

[tranquility]

I just bought one and would like to know is it ok to use it at full-strength to spray all parts of the car? It is rated at 1,600PSI. I know that I could probably use full-strength to spray my wheels ad definitely not full-strength to spray the convertible seal parts/tags, but what about the rest of the car, the panels, the glass, the lights?

Anyone w/ a pressure washer and what is your cleaning routine? Thx in advance.

[marcw]

As a summer intern job I used to work for a large car rental company. We used pressure washers on all the returned cars. I have seen these things strip paint right off, esp when there are bugs all over the paint. Personally I would tread very carefully when using a pressure washer. Using them for the wheels is one thing, blasting on the paint quite another. Just my $.02.

Originally Posted by tranquility

I just bought one and would like to know is it ok to use it at full-strength to spray all parts of the car? It is rated at 1,600PSI. I know that I could probably use full-strength to spray my wheels ad definitely not full-strength to spray the convertible seal parts/tags, but what about the rest of the car, the panels, the glass, the lights?

Anyone w/ a pressure washer and what is your cleaning routine? Thx in advance.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by marcw

As a summer intern job I used to work for a large car rental company. We used pressure washers on all the returned cars. I have seen these things strip paint right off, esp when there are bugs all over the paint. Personally I would tread very carefully when using a pressure washer. Using them for the wheels is one thing, blasting on the paint quite another. Just my $.02.

agree.

wheels - good.
Paintwork - risky.

I only use mine (a Karcher) as a pressure cleaner for the wheels.
I still use the wand on the bodywork but as a low pressure mist to wet the car and as a very soft fan of water (keeping the head about 2 feet from the car body) to rinse off soap.

[tranquility]

Thx, I'll keep these notes in mind. I'm wondering how my 1,600PSI compares to the coin-op ones I've been using (the latter seems weak and I spray directly on most parts of the car w/o prbs).

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by tranquility

Thx, I'll keep these notes in mind. I'm wondering how my 1,600PSI compares to the coin-op ones I've been using (the latter seems weak and I spray directly on most parts of the car w/o prbs).

1,600 PSI units are at the low end of the spectrum for pressure cleaners. (mine is the same)

The big industrial units can do upwards of 30,000 psi, and I have seen safety training video of these cutting through a steel cap shoe and a side of lamb - both as if they were butter.

It all depends on what pressure system they have installed at your car wash.
If the owner is influenced by the same fear of litigation as your coffee vendors (Caution - contents may be hot ) then maybe they only use a low pressure unit in case someone hurts themsleves or their cars by using it in an inappropriate manner.

[tranquility]

Ya, I figure that my own washer can't be that pwrful, esp since it's electric. I'll still be safe and work my way from weak to strong settings as I get used to it.

[Z4Andy]

If you have an iS, be careful of the oil cooler infront of the front wheel in the wheel arch.

You might bend some fins with a pressure washer.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Z4Andy

If you have an iS, be careful of the oil cooler infront of the front wheel in the wheel arch.

You might bend some fins with a pressure washer.

I thought all newer Z4s 35i/is (does 30i have it?) have them (you're talking about the grill-thing in the front-right wheelwell, right)?

[Z4Andy]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I thought all newer Z4s 35i/is (does 30i have it?) have them (you're talking about the grill-thing in the front-right wheelwell, right)?

23i and 30i does not have the extra oil cooler.

The radiator is also an area (with the large front grill) that could potentially be damaged with a PW.

My 23i had some bent fins on the rad and i'm sure the dealer was responsible for this after washing it when told not to

If you get a PW, buy one that has a variable pressure and an angled underbody type lance. Then just use common sense.

They are great when used with a snow foam lance or have a heating facility for the water. I only use the PW for the arches and wheels.

[tranquility]

^Thx, will avoid those sensitive areas.

[jpd]

Hand wash the car.

[Dr Stig 2]

Originally Posted by jpd

Hand wash the car.

With cotton buds and a soft toothbrush.
Then drop and give me 20!

[tranquility]

The pressure washer manual recommends that I just spray w/ the detergent+water (instead of rinsing the car off 1st): what do you think?

[jpd]

Take the pressure washer back where you bought it.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by jpd

Take the pressure washer back where you bought it.

???????

[Dr Stig 2]

probably written by the same guys who think the reason we buy a presure washer is to use only 25% of the water used by a normal garden hose.

i.e. if you dont rinse - you will use less water.

If your car needs a rinse, just rinse. If it doesn't, then dont bother.
That being said, I always use a fine mist spray to wet the car before I apply any sponge or cloth, even if the car doesn't need a rinse to remove excess dirt.

[Z4Andy]

The best way to wash you car is to use a snow foam lance on the PW. There are some videos on youtube.

This leaves a thick foam on the car that when left to dwell encapsulates the dirt. You can jet wash this off and re-apply if you like, but the idea is to have a lubricant of shampoo between your wash mitt and the paint.

You then use a microfibre or lambswool wash mitt. With two buckets (one with the shampoo and another with clean water to rinse).

This helps to prevent grit getting trapped and scratching or swirling the paint.

Never use a sponge, as a piece of grit has nowhere to go. With a mitt it may sink into the microfibre away from the surface of the car.

Invest in a good wax as dirt doesn't stick so easily to the paint making washing simpler.

I snow foam then jet wash (gentle pressure) off. Foam again and then wash.

Rinse of gently and then take the hose and stream water over the car leaving fewer water beads and dry using quick detailer and soft cloths.

On a hot day I use a garden vac set to blow. Works a treat and no spotting

[ChuckB]

Well, I guess it is up to me to be the voice of desention here...

1. It is a car, an appliance, albeit one that looks really nice and no fridge is going to make you feel the same way when you open the door, but still it is something you own [for a short period of time in the span of your life], and not the other way around.

2. You operate this apliance in a fairly harsh environment with all kinds of air borne pollutants, sun, rain and snow settling on it, and you deliberately take it out on the road to face thrown up stuff from other cars .

3. You are never going to keep it from getting some signs of wear & tear from ordinary use, and don't even consider what will happen after a few laps on "The Ring".

4. Apply common sense to washing it, it is not a Baby, it is not that fragile, rinse off the surface dirt, then wash with soap, rinse, dry, wax and drive it like you just stole it , that is what you bought if for.

HOWEVER if taking hours to wash and polish it gives you joy or pleasure, then by all means go for it, your bought it for the "Joy " of it and however you get that "Joy " is the right answer...

[tranquility]

I agree, Chuck. Ever since I drive on the highway more and am getting these nicks on the front bumper, I've been cool about it. I still enjoy cleaning her up, though, after accumulating some nasty grime on the car. I guess rinsing 1st is still the better way.

[STOOF]

I would never use a pressure washer on my paint.

At the very least use it on the lowest pressure setting.